RODE NT1-A mic recognized but no sound from Garageband

You can not convert a balanced analog signal (XLR) to a digital signal with a bit of wire and some plugs. You need an interface, it should have a balanced microphone input on an XLR socket. The output should be USB. At least one of each of these.

Who makes the XLR to USB cable and does it need to have a driver installed.

isteveus wrote:

Who makes the XLR to USB cable and does it need to have a driver installed.

If it is a cable why would it need a driver? If it does need a driver it's not just a cable.

cao_xiaoling wrote:

I recently purchased a RODE NT1-A with hopes of recording however no sound is coming out. The RODE has a XLR cable what came with it, however to use it with my Mac I also bought a XLR cable to USB at a local Guitar Center. I'm using Garageband as my method of recording and editing audio, however when I try to record with the RODE as my input, there is no sound that comes out.

I've tried messing with the Audio MIDI setup, the Sound from System Preferences and the Preferences from Garageband's Audio/MIDI setup as well.

I have a OSX Yosemite Version 10.10.4 Mac

Processor: 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5

Memory: 4 GB 1600 MHz DDR3

If there is no solution for this, I am open to using a different method of recording, however just let me know because this has been driving me insane.

The NT1 is phantom powered, it needs 48 volts DC, you can't get that from a Mac, how do you intend powering this microphone?

CSound1, LightSnake and others make XLR to USB cables that have interfaces built into the cable end. They commonly call them a Mic to usb cable. I don't know if they carry power but if we first know what one is being used we can find out if it carries phantom power.

Yes thanks, 45 years in Pro audio reinforcement has acquainted me with phantom power. Where would a cable get 48vdc, the Mic requires it, the Mac can't supply it, what's your theory?

Not sure how it's done but there are many interfaces that offer phantom power using only the usb for power. Some have a 9 volt battery or a 9 volt power supply.

Then feel free to suggest one, helping is why your are here, yes?.

Buy a CLR-to- CLR Cable, and a Mixer like the "Yamaha MG8/2FX" and 6.8mm-to-3.5mm Cabel. Plug the Mic with the CLR-Cabel in the mixer at line1 and the other Cabel in the Rec-Out and Line-in of your mac. Badabing badabum. SOUND